NEW YORK–In order for the Philadelphia 76ers to do anything in the playoffs, they will need Tobias Harris to step up and provide scoring and shooting next to James Harden and Joel Embiid. To begin the 2023 playoffs, he’s doing exactly that as he’s shooting 4-for-6 from deep.
Harris is averaging 20.5 points against the Brooklyn Nets thus far and he has done exactly what the Sixers have asked of him. They need him to shoot 3-pointers when he’s open, make quick decisions on the offensive end, and also be a defensive presence out on the perimeter.
“Just doing what’s best for the team,” said Harris. “Just being coachable and trying to find my best self out there on a night-to-night basis, but doing whatever I can to help the group win. That’s what I’ve always been about and whatever is asked me from the coaching staff, players, that’s what I’m gonna do. That’s my job.”
One can say, “Well, he’s a max player, this is his job to do that”, but Harris has had to play a ton of roles during his time in Philadelphia. From having to be the No. 2 scorer to having to be the go-to guy late in games to having to be a 3-and-D guy now. That can be a lot to ask of anybody.
With that being said, it does appear that Harris seems to be in a different mindset heading into this postseason run.
“I’m always locked in,” he said bluntly. “Let’s not get it twisted. Anytime I step on the basketball court, I’m always locked in.”
He then explained that his aggressiveness is just based on being able to have some opportunities on the offensive end. The Nets have been double and triple-teaming Embiid which leaves Harris open for a lot of shots from deep. He is taking advantage of those shots at the moment.
“More opportunities,” he explained. “That does lead to more being assertive and being aggressive for my game. Anytime there’s opportunities for me to take advantage, I’m trying to look to do that. So that’s always been my approach throughout my whole career.”
Harris has always been a confident player. Nothing will ever change about that. The work that he puts in has been done to help him thrive in situations such as these and it’s on him to be sure that when the time comes, he produces when the time calls for it.
“I put work in and shoot it,” Harris finished. “I’m confident and letting it fly. My biggest thing is always just figuring out how as a whole group, we can create more attempts. Especially, from the 3-point line. Figuring out how we can generate more open looks, more in-the-flow 3s. Not just for me, but for the whole group.”
The Sixers will need Harris to continue to shoot the ball at a high clip to keep succeeding in the playoffs. He is going to be an X-Factor for them as they appear to be on a collision course to match up with the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
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